A Reason To Be Optimistic

I have just had one the best guided tour ever. Amazing and inspiring in many ways and for so many reasons. Inspiring because it was done by four charming fifth formers, and amazing because they had to talk to ten grown-up sustainable energy experts about the Eco features of their school Howe Dell School in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

It isn't just about the school. It is the confidence, enthusiasm and knowledge of the kids that is uplifting. If this is emulated everywhere, then there is a reason to believe that we are all heading towards a brighter future where sustainability will be cherished. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take picture of school children but some features of the school are worth mentioning.


The young tour guides showed us their school generating systems which included a wind turbine, solar PV, and a solar thermal unit. It absolutely vital that children this age understand where the energy they use come from. And it is not just about generation, they talked us through the energy conservation measures such sensor switches, the use natural sunlight and so on. The outdoor classroom for spring and summer could go for being zero carbon as no lighting or air conditioning is required. It is also used as a play ground shielding both from rain and excessive heat. What could be better than nature? What else can you do here and where else can you have this? I thought I wouldn't mind using this as an office sometimes.



And it's not just about energy saving. Who said sustainability was just about being Eco friendly? We ought to start with being people friendly. This is exactly what I liked about the Buddy Stop-a place to stand if you have no one to play with, and someone will walk up to you. How sweet!



Other features included the wide range of multicultural posters and activities, healthy eating posters and kitchen, gardening, sports, dancing and so on. Sustainability is all of the above. It's about keeping going! Guess the duty of this guy in the picture below.



The outcome of this this kind of early education is a generation well equipped to tackle the huge challenges ahead. A signpost that led to the direction of the school wasn't at all encouraging. Why would someone want to go the mosquito way? Perhaps this is a lesson to always be optimistic...